One of the largest marine mammal rescue operations ever attempted is underway in Canada as experts begin relocating 30 beluga whales from the now-closed Marineland Canada in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The ambitious mission follows fears that the whales could eventually face euthanasia after funding for their care dwindled following the park’s closure in 2024. The first six belugas have already been transported to accredited aquariums in the United States after undergoing extensive veterinary assessments. Marine mammal specialists, veterinarians and caretakers are overseeing every stage of the operation, which is expected to continue for several weeks before all 30 whales are safely relocated to new long-term homes.
Why the 30 beluga whales are being relocated in Canada
The rescue operation stems from the closure of Marineland Canada in September 2024 after years of controversy surrounding animal welfare allegations, legal challenges and declining visitor numbers. Although donations initially covered the care of the remaining whales, those funds eventually ran out. In October 2025, Marineland sought financial assistance from the Canadian government, warning it could no longer afford to feed and care for the marine mammals. Animal welfare advocates feared the whales could eventually face euthanasia if a permanent solution was not found, prompting an international rescue effort.
How the historic rescue mission is unfolding
The relocation began with six beluga whales leaving Marineland for their new homes in the United States. Before travelling, each whale underwent detailed health examinations to ensure it was fit for transport. The belugas were lifted using specially designed support slings before being placed inside custom-built cold-water transport containers. They were then transported by truck to Toronto Pearson International Airport and flown aboard a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 cargo aircraft under constant veterinary supervision.
Each stage of the relocation is being overseen by aquatic veterinarians, marine mammal trainers and animal care specialists. Officials said the whales are never left unattended during transport, with caretakers continuously monitoring their breathing, hydration, stress levels and overall health. Some caretakers even travelled alongside the whales inside the specialised transport area to ensure immediate assistance if required. Experts described the animals as being in excellent health before departure despite their uncertain future at Marineland.
Which aquariums will receive the rescued belugas?
The first six belugas have safely arrived at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and SeaWorld San Antonio in Texas. The remaining 24 whales will gradually be relocated to Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, SeaWorld San Diego in California and Oceanogràfic Valencia in Spain over the coming months. Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut is also supporting the operation by providing veterinary expertise and logistical assistance throughout the rescue.Veterinarians say the period immediately after arrival is the most important for the whales’ recovery and adjustment. Care teams are closely monitoring whether the belugas begin eating normally, exploring their new surroundings, vocalising and interacting with other whales. These behaviours are considered key indicators that the animals are adapting successfully to their new environments. Additional medical care and nutritional support will be provided whenever necessary during the transition.
Belugas are being moved with their social groups
Beluga whales are highly social animals that form strong family bonds. To minimise stress, marine biologists carefully studied the whales’ existing relationships before deciding how they would be relocated. Rather than separating individuals, rescue teams organised the transfers so established social groups could remain together, increasing the likelihood that the whales will adapt successfully to their new homes.
Emergency permits cleared the way for the rescue
The rescue required approval from authorities in both Canada and the United States. Earlier this month, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an emergency permit allowing the whales to be transported into the country. Fisheries and Oceans Canada also endorsed the relocation plan, while Marineland requested assistance from the consortium of accredited aquariums after recognising it could no longer provide long-term care for the animals.
One of the most complex marine mammal relocations ever attempted
Relocating beluga whales is an enormous logistical challenge because adult animals can grow up to 16 feet long and weigh several thousand pounds. The operation required months of planning involving veterinarians, transport specialists, airlines and marine mammal experts. Every stage of the journey, from lifting the whales into transport slings to maintaining water temperature and monitoring vital signs during flights, has been carefully designed to minimise stress and maximise the animals’ safety.
What happens next for the rescued whales?
The remaining 24 belugas will continue to be relocated in carefully planned stages over the coming weeks and months, depending on weather conditions, veterinary clearances and aircraft availability. Once settled, the whales will join established beluga pods at their new facilities, where they will receive ongoing veterinary care, behavioural monitoring and enrichment. Conservationists say the relocation offers the animals a stable future after uncertainty following Marineland Canada’s closure and represents one of the most significant international marine mammal rescue efforts ever undertaken.
